How to improve ethnic diversity in PR

It’s obvious, it’s embarrassing for an industry aiming to represent the communities we serve, and there is something we can do to change it.

Stats from various industry surveys highlight the gap, including The PRCA Census in 2016, which identified a gap of 5% between the profession and public, with 91% of practitioners identifying as white (compared to the 2011 census data for England and Wales, which cited 86%).

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ State of the Profession survey states the number is 90%.

Wherever you look, whatever numbers you use, it’s plain to see we need to do more to encourage black, Asian and ethnic minority graduates to pursue a career in Communications.

£50,000 before the end of the year

They want to raise the funds before the end of 2017 to help them continue running four training programmes next year, expand beyond London and launch a profile raising campaign in BAME communities to promote PR as a viable career choice.

Sarah adds: “Everyone I talk to about the Foundation tells me what great work we do, that the industry needs us, that the graduates need us and that we are making a difference not only to the diversity in communications, but importantly offering opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have access to PR as a career.

“We have honed our programmes so that they get fantastic results. Over 70% of our alumni work in communications. Over 700 graduates have attended our assessment days and had detailed feedback to help with their job searches.

“We have the skills, knowledge, passion and experience to deliver brilliant teaching, mentoring and work experience to BAME graduates, but none of it is possible without the funding.”

How you can help

The Foundation is asking the PR industry to demonstrate its commitment to improving diversity by giving to their fundraising appeal to help make a real difference in a young person’s life.

I’ve donated, and encourage you to consider doing the same. See their Just Giving page for all you need to know and to pledge your support.